Ok everyone!! So, when you think back on all of the dances this year, which dances were huge standouts for you??

For me, it was Maks and Brandy’s last Argentine Tango, Jennifer and Derek’s first Argentine Tango and both Dirty Dancing numbers. They were so good!

In some media things for you today while you ponder on that question, first we have Louis being interviewed by the paparazzi. They ask some really good questions about the Season, the idea of a “same sex couple” dancing, and more. He doesn’t hold back.

Speaking of the idea of a “Same Sex Couple” dancing, here’s a take from Fox News exploring the idea.

Reports have been running rampant over recent weeks that next year’s “Dancing With the Stars” will be quite a quick-step from tradition and feature a same-sex twosome.

The speculation stemmed from the announcement that the Israeli edition of the hit show would pair two ladies, at the request of a lesbian sportscaster who felt more comfortable foxtrotting with a female in the competition. Numerous names started being thrown around, including Ellen DeGeneres’s wife Portia de Rossi.

“They (the producers) have approached Portia to do it. I don’t think she is going to do it, but she was flattered that they asked her,” DeGeneres confirmed, although it was not clear whether they asked her to dance with a male or female partner.

Insiders close to the show told Pop Tarts that a same-sex couple will “never happen” in the U.S – at least not yet.

“ABC and Disney are afraid of the negative backlash from viewers after watching a same-sex couple
grind on stage,” explained our snitch. “Middle America isn’t there yet – and judging by the conservatives who voted to keep Bristol in the competition, a same-sex rumba won’t happen anytime soon – at least not in the ‘Disney’ funded ballroom.”

A rep for “DWTS” did not respond for comment.

Entertainment industry expert John Ziegler concurred that it would be a bad move on ABC’s part to feature a same-sex dance couple.

“The show just got a huge boost of ‘Middle America’ viewers with the success of Bristol Palin. They are not going to blow that, especially when there is no need,” he said. “The show is on a roll and Margaret Cho’s overt lesbianism did not resonate with viewers. [She was the third contestant to be eliminated this past season.] The gay community is already watching, this would be a stupid ratings move, unless of course the same sex couple involved two hot women!”

Not everyone thinks featuring two male or female partners on “DWTS” is necessarily a bad move — including one of the show’s hosts.

“I fully support that and I think America is ready for that,” the show’s judge Carrie Ann Inaba told People.com. “Our country is much more accepting of same sex couples and it would be great for the show to reflect that.”

So, what do you think? Would you be open to the idea of a Same sex couple dancing on the show? I wouldn’t care one way or the other. I would have more issues if they brought someone in connected to politics again. Though Bill Clinton would be an exception! 😀 (thanks Zach for that idea that I won’t be able to get out of my head now. lol)

Moving on…. On-line WSJ is reporting that because of Jennifer’s reign on DWTS, “Dirty dancing” has gained more followers. Are we surprised? Here’s a take. Note how “Glee” plans to feature a “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” in a future episode.

The year 2010 is beginning to look a lot like 1987, thanks to the return of “Dirty Dancing.” The film’s star, Jennifer Grey, made headlines last week for winning “Dancing with the Stars.” Its anthem, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” will be featured on “Glee” in the coming weeks while a new version called “The Time (Dirty Bit),” recorded by the Black Eyed Peas, is in the iTunes top five.

According to PageData, a company that tracks metrics and trends on Facebook, the film has more than 6.3 million fans on the site, ranking it sixth among movies. That’s just below mega leaders like “Twilight” and “Harry Potter,” but above “Avatar,” which clocks in at 3.9 million fans.

Lionsgate Home Entertainment Executive Vice President Anne Parducci said the film gets about 150,000 new Facebook fans each week.

“It’s really just people saying they love the movie, they love Patrick [Swayze], they love, love, love everything,” said Ms. Parducci. “There is an innocence to the movie that is so endearing. My 16-year-old daughter says to me, ‘I wish I could live back then.'”

Corky and Lacey were in the Hollywood Christmas parade this last Sunday. You can see them at the 7:37 mark in the video below.

I'm a fashion and music fan....and I have always loved dancing too of any kind. Dancing With The Stars seems to have this way of bringing all of those things together. One of my favorite dancing quotes at the moment: "No matter what, nobody can take away the dance you've already had...." ~Gleb Savchenko . For fun music and dance mixes, visit WilUnleashed Soundcloud. To view my photography site, see Lisa Kay Photography.

The dances that stood out for me were Jennifer and Derek’s Argentine Tango and Freestyle and Kyle and Lacey’s Jive.
Same-sex couples on DWTS? Heck no! There were people outraged about Bristol being in the finals how much more with 2 females or males dancing?

Obviously ABCs audience demographic research said they were missing out on the more conservative viewer. (Now where they got the idea to ask Tom Delay, I’ll never know.) Bristol was a second shot with Todd Palin turning them down, but some how they hit a home run with Bristol.

Believe what you want about Tea Partiers flooding the phone lines, but she proved to be a likable “Girl Next Door”, that Every person under twenty five could identify with. I still think that was her main base.

The fact that Kyle survived with NO adult fan base proves my point as well. He was likable and fun to watch.

Now with that as a background, I’d be real suprised to see a same sex couple anytime soon. Neither Hasselhoff or Bolton could dance a lick. Cho and Palin we about equal at the time of Cho’s retirement from the dance floor. Louie was out of the closet. Ms. Cho was coming out on the show. One look at who made the finals gives you all the numbers ABC needs to see for planning next season.

Louie is a incredibly gifted performer, choreographer, and instructor. In all three he is one of the best pros.

It seems like every season now someone throws out the idea of a same-sex couple, ever since the rumor started prior to season 7 that Lance Bass would be dancing with a guy “because he was gay” (totally ignorant assumption, by the way). Here’s my take on it, as someone who is both a fan of the show and has a bit of experience in real ballroom competition: it could happen SOMEDAY, and I wouldn’t have an ethical problem with it, but from a technical standpoint, I think it would be a bit hard for some fans of real ballroom to swallow. The basic principle behind all ballroom dances is the contrast of masculine to feminine – men dance with a powerful and strong quality to their movement, and women dance with an exsquisite, delicate quality to their movement. Ballroom judges look for this contrast in movement styles when they look at a couple; and women who tend to move a bit more masculinely and men who tend to move rather effeminately are often scored lower than those who take on traditional gender roles. Call it sexism, call it old-fashioned, whatever – but that’s the way ballroom has traditionally been, and I don’t see those ideals changing anytime soon. Granted, there have been a handful of semi-successful same-sex couples in real ballroom, but I’ve always seen them unfortunately scored lower than couples who were often of a lower skill level, but the traditional male-female pairing. Would it be better tolerated more in a “fluffier” dance arena like DWTS? Maybe, but then again, look at Margaret & Louis – two homosexuals who caught flak for their orientation, and they were still dancing in the traditional man-woman pairing. I can’t imagine what kind of uproar there would be towards a same-sex couple from those viewers who are blatantly opposed to homosexuality. I almost think it wouldn’t be fair to both the pro and celeb in question – an automatic strike against them before they even started dancing. And if there’s anything I’ve learned from this season, it’s that DWTS does NOT need to be taken down the political route again anytime soon. Oy.

I loved the same sex partner dances on SYTYCD but I don’t think DWTS has the right structure. In SYTYCD choreographers and partnerships got mixed, so it wasn’t one couple always in a same sex partnership. I also think Ballroom choreography, as Courtney said, is deeply steeped in the masculine/feminine dichotomy unlike Hip Hop, Contemporary, etc. I think I remember a same sex Tango on SYTYCD or maybe it was a Paso. But it’d take exceptional choreography skills to pull off the Waltz or Foxtrot for a same sex couple. I do think that’d put an amateur celebrity at a disadvantage on DWTS when the DWTS’s pro is not only having to teach the dance but also deal with intense choreography.

If I to see Louis rumbaing with a dude then I might have to bring out my shot gun. 😀 Jk. Uhhh I HATE the idea of same gender couples! Ok I so I have an idea ima list all the dance styles and my favorites for that dance all season. 😀 Rember, Just my opinion. Ones I REALLY loved in all caps. 😛

Leigh – I think you’re thinking of Robert & Kent’s “Malevos” from this past season of SYTYCD. Viewers seem to generally dislike it, but to me it was a decent homage to the beginnings of Argentine tango – a bunch of men in a salon trying to outdo each other with their moves, much like a hip-hop dance battle. And Ed is totally right – tango IS religion on Argentina, and there is absolutely no taboo about two men dancing together. It’s actually kind of cool when executed well.

I think another problem (totally unrelated to social stigma) that a same-sex ballroom couple would run into is simply physical limitations that would dictate what moves they could and couldn’t do. Two women are not likely to be able to do any heavy-duty lifting, and two men are probably going to be limited in the flexibility department (unless you’re Louis Van Amstel, the most bendy little man on the planet, hehe). Plus there are just moves that aren’t going to look right on the frame of the opposite gender. There’s definitely more to the story than just some viewers with delicate sensibilities who would feel uncomfortable seeing two women or two men dancing together…there’s fundamental problems with the dances themselves, too.

The dances that I loved and stood out the most for me this season were Jennifer & Derek’s Cha, Cha, their V. Waltz/Waltz, their freestyle and most of all their Argentine Tango-it was amazing. Both Waltz’s were breathtaking and that was one sexy Cha, Cha. I love Derek’s choreography for the Waltz and Argentine Tango, he’s tops in my book for choreographing those two style of dances!! Honestly, I loved most all of their performances.
Also other memorable performances for me were Kyle/Lacey’s Samba. Young Kyle really worked it on that performance. Also really loved Brandy’s Foxtrot, that was sexy!

“keep the gay stuff private for now”? What an extraordinarily obnoxious and unenlightened thing to say. And Zach I’m ashamed of you for even joking about a shotgun. Is that the difference between a democrat and a republican?

I think, also, that Courtney is buying into louis’ belief that their elimination was about gay pride, when I think it was more to do with an extremely bad first dance that she couldn’t recover from. No one took her seriously after that and she only lasted as long as she did because there were far worse.

And spare me the bullshit about bristol meaning ratings. The only rating that was actually boosted was the last Tuesday night – all other eps were in line with the last fall season. You can’t compare fall to spring because spring is normally lower than fall to begin with. This season also had the typical mid- season dip. If Bristol were all that, it wouldn’t have happened. Bristol is going to be unrepeatable because she’s not “just” a republican – she’s a young kid, single mom who people could root for. The O’Donnell’s of the world aren’t going to have that.

Well Heidi, everyone is entitled to their opinion. You have yours. I have mine.

As to Ms Cho’s first dance doing her in, I don’t think Bristol actually “Burned the Floor” on her first dance either and we know who made it to the final.

I, for one, don’t think it was mosly Tea Partiers keeping her alive. It was the left that made the case for Tea Partiers keeping her on the show. If the left is right, Obama had better be listening to the results here as well.

I just don’t think America is ready for Gay Pride in prime time. As to my reasoning, check the results of the last election.

Ballroom Dancing has always been between a Man and a Woman. I just prefer to keep it that way.

The last election was won by republicans not on their merit, but because many democrats stayed home. That’s an established, but well ignored, fact. Obama and the last congress won by the largest margins in a generation – to do a very specific job, which they did not do (or they did too little, caving to a nasty minority). Hence, the dems stayed home. Of the people who voted for McCain – they all voted in the last election. Those who voted for Obama didn’t come close to turning out in the same numbers. Most polls show the republicans in congress are no more popular than the democrats at this point. But it’s easy to win elections if the other side stays home. If there is one thing they are good at, it’s at making hay out of ignorance. Obviously.

If you really believe that it was the “left” making the case for tea party keeping Bristol in, you are NOT paying attention to twitter and any number of conservative blogs.

I don’t think America is necessarily ready for Gay pride either (although the recent survey of troops on don’t ask, don’t tell beg to differ – as do the very high ratings for Modern Family), but I wouldn’t use that as an excuse for bigotry. I don’t necessarily want to watch that show either – unless it’s two extremely hot guys – but I think Zach’s shotgun comment and your “keep the gay stuff private” are both out of line in this day and age.

You can’t even compare Bristol and Margaret’s first dances – Margaret’s wasn’t just “not good” but a disaster of major proportions.

Yes, Margaret had an atrocious first dance…and a mediocre 2nd dance, and a joke of a third dance. But I certainly don’t think she & Louis did themselves any favors by throwing gay pride in the faces of the viewers – it very well could have been the final nail in the coffin for them in the eyes of voters who may have actually voted for them had they kept their political leanings to themselves. I remember reading absolutely AWFUL things people said about that samba – I’ve never seen so many homosexual slurs. Sickening, really. I always cringe whenever Louis decides to open his mouth about gay-related topics on the show – not because I disagree with him, but it just seems to give some viewers a reason to dislike him and his partner. It may not have been the sole reason they were voted off – but I don’t think you can deny that it probably deterred some voters.

Well, there’s a bigot in every crowd, so of course there were some – but I doubt very much that it was a deciding factor. Frankly, I give props to Louis for talking about it – that’s the only way to change things.

When it comes to hate and intolerance it’s hard to believe it could get much worse than what was directed at a young woman of 19 with no known political aspirations.

For all any of us know, she may be a liberal Democrat. (After all John McCain’s daughter is no right winger.) It was amazing at the hate directed at Mark Ballas, a self confessed Liberal Democrat.

Now on gays: My wife’s brother is gay. When he visits, I extend him every common courtesy and he is welcome in my home at any time. He and the wife go to the gay bars. I gracefully decline. Just not my scene. I have friends that are big country and western dancers. I decline their invitations. Just not my scene.

Now can all of you Bristol haters say you would be as gracious if you were introduced in person to Bristol or her mother?

If the answer is “NO.”, take a long look in the mirror before you call someone an “intolerant” or a “Bigot”.

Tod Palin is again rumored for next season. I’ve still got such a bad taste from last season’s political taint that I’m not looking forward to next season. If there’s another political angle I don’t think I can join in. It would be a downer.

If ABC, the show, and the Palins know what’s good for them, they will not pursue having another member of that family on the show next season – I think the outrage would only escalate. I’m not sure I could watch the show anymore if that happened…let alone write about it. I hope they stick with the usual casting formula next season: a musician or two, an actor or two, a model, a host of some sort, a comedian, a teen idol figure, a couple of athletes, and for the wild card spot – I dunno, maybe one of the rescued Chilean miners? That guy that landed a plane on the Hudson river? Something novel and most importantly, innocuous. Politcally neutral.

Why do people continually bring the outside hate on to THIS site to try to make some sort of point. Please point to the Bristol “hate” that was put on this site by any bloggers – in fact, we often stood up for her. But no, saying she shouldn’t be in the final doesn’t count as hate, and neither does saying she was a crap dancer…unless you’re 12. Neither is it hate toward Bristol to say that DWTS should keep the damn politics OFF THE SHOW. And as for politics, Ed, you brought it into the dancing conversation, not me.

I am always gracious to people I meet in person – unlike some, I wasn’t born in a barn. In fact, I bet old Sarah would be fun to have beers with – I just don’t believe she’s remotely qualified to run this country. And guess what – that ain’t hate either. If you don’t want people wondering if you’re a bigot, try choosing your words more carefully – and “I’ve got gay friends” doesn’t really count. They should just be “friends” or “relatives”.

Exactly – politically neutral. And both sides are culpable in this situation, no matter how Ed tries to spin it. If you want it to be a dancing show, and incidentally, this site to be about DANCING keep the divisive characters off the show. What’s the saying? Never talk about politics or religion in polite company. Well, I say never mix politics and religion with a fun, fluffy dance show.

Thanks, Vogue, for this! Love the interview with Louis! Love how he had to pass on George Michaels! lol I’m not sure how I feel about the same sex dancing. If they do it just for ratings, (and why else would ABC do it!) then I don’t think it’s fair to the gay community. They’re not being included for inclusion’s sake, but to show some kind of “spectacle” on the show. I also agree that America is not ready for that yet. I think we may be a wee bit better here in Canada in general, but I still think many would slam the show. I would like to hear how the gay community would like it handled.
I am so sick of the politics on the show this year. Please no more politicians! But I did love having someone who had no dancing or performing experience on the show. How about a Pure blogger?!! 🙂

Don’t feel bad John – my bf started dancing to meet girls, decided he likes it, and now he teaches it! Hehe.

Now while doing DWTS would definitely be fun, I would probably be labeled a ringer right off the bat – not only have I done competitive ballroom for about 7 years (on a break now due to financial reasons ;-)), but my boyfriend is actually an American Rhythm pro. The DWTS purists (that’s what I call those who think that all the stars doing the show should have ZERO dance experience) would have a heyday with me 😛 Marianya would probably have the same problem. John might be ok – he would probably be the Donny Osmond type, who’s had some dance experience but is generally just a likeable guy trying to remember the steps 😉

Wow, I didn’t realize you guys were so experienced! That does explain some of your technical comments on the dances. Me, I just love the whole concept of the show. I’ve got two left feet, and definitely no musicality. Maybe that’s why I am so amazed with anyone who starts from scratch and does well! On the other hand, I know great dancing when I see it …. and great abs, and a great smile and a great personality, and a great work ethic, and the whole package! Hello Derek! lol 🙂

Wow, Courtney! You’d be like the next Nicole. 😀 ” Thats a compliment ” but yea your right about peeps labeling you a ringer…Sorry. Anyway I had no idea some of you guys had so much experience. If I got to earn one dance it’d be the Paso Doble but it would also be fun to learn A. Tango, Jive, Quickstep, Samba etc heck all of them. And the Texas Two Step, ofcourse. Love that. 😛

I’m going to put in a plug for my choices for next season, and it’s all about laughter, hetrosexual partners, a close competition and hotness. I guess I can dream? I’d like to see:

Derek and Cheryl Cole- I want to see them together 🙂 I don’t care.. I think it could be uber hot.

Mark Ballas and Keisha Knight Pullian – she’s one of the most beautiful girls all grown up. I think she and Mark could make a cute couple.

Maks and Portia di Rossi – I just think it would be hot, a hetro male and lesbian celebrity. And Ellen could smack Mak’s ass for the fun of it. Are you listening ABC? THAT I would watch and enjoy.

Tony and Sandra Bullock – We love her, and Tony would too. She’s A list, probably won’t bother, but man I could use some of her brevity given what she’s been through. And frankly where Tony lacks in performance, Sandra could bring it.

Dmitry Chaplin and Ali Fedotowsky – She’s confirmed she’s getting married in 2011 and this would be a great lead up. Ali’s a giggler and I think would bring some fun to quiet Dmitry.

Louis and Mia Hamm – Represent the soccer and why not with a super fit woman like Mia. I think Louis and Mia could be a great team. Enough of him training the out of shape low self esteem types. Let’s see what he does with a contender.

Blair Underwood and Cheryl Burke – Okay, is he not the hotest make believe President? At least he doesn’t aspire to the office. He just smolders and that would be a very hot couple indeed.

Rickey Martin and Karina Smirnoff – Karina has had a few clowns over time. I think it’s time she got a hot contender. Rickey fits the bill. And he bats for the other team incase Karina’s huge fiance gets upset.

Jay Pharoh and Lacey Schwimmer – I’ve decided that Lacey does better with comedian types who just role with her teaching style and call her out when they need to. This guy is hilarious. He’s on SNL but they don’t use him very much. His impressions are amazing.

Dick Van Dyke and Kym Johnson – Dick has been seen around the Disney lot lately and man, what I’d give to see him dance. Talk about a nostalgia factor! I think Dick could finally be a break through senior and actually break top 6. He would do so well with a doll like Kym.

Landon Donovan and Anna Treblunskya – This guy would be another contender for sure. In his favor are his feet, he’s not overly big in stature and would be a nice compliment to Anna . Plus, how fun would it be to have Soccer represented by both genders? America is getting better on the world stage with this sport. This would be a nice showcase.

Roberto Martinez and Chelsie Hightower. Ali’s hunky Fiance is just getting more hunkier over the past few months, and he’s a salsa dancer on his free time. I just want to erase the Jake Pavelka ugliness. Roberto is the man to do it 🙂

Louis and Mia Hamm – I want to see what Louis would do with a superfit athlete. I think it could be honest and really exciting.

Mary, you HAVE seen Derek dance with Cheryl Cole haven’t you? It is VERY hot. 🙂 I especially like when he’s dancing with her when she opened for the Black Eyed Peas, but the music video for Parachute is pretty darn good too. I also like the “behind the making of…” that goes with that video. Very cute.